Parramatta interchange forward Joe Galuvao has thanked the club for rekindling his love for rugby league and - by extension - prolonging his career by a further two years.
As he prepares to line-up against Melbourne in Sunday's grand final, the well-travelled back-rower reflected on his good fortune after twice reviving a career that was headed towards premature retirement.
The Eels gave him a start after a two-year stint at Souths (2006-07) ended in disappointment, Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe famously suggesting the deeply religious Galuvao quit football to serve God.
Next year he will join Manly on a two-year deal after convincing the Sea Eagles he still had something to offer despite starting 2009 as a NSW Cup player.
"Like most footballers my age (31) you get sick of getting bashed for a living so that was the case for me," Galuvao told Sportal.
"Becoming a youth work, a teacher ... those were the things going through my mind."
"Before Manly came long I was considering retiring. It was what was best for my family at the time and if it wasn't playing footy then it wasn't playing footy."
"When Manly came along and offered me a contract it was an opportunity to earn money, but footy-wise it was a chance to play at a great club like Manly."
"I've got this club (Parramatta) to thank for all that. Two years ago I didn't think I'd be in this position again but Parramatta put a lot of faith in me and I'm thankful to them for that."
"It has rekindled my love for rugby league. When people put confidence in you you've got an onus to repay that."
And Galuvao was keen to put the record straight on his commitment to the Sea Eagles following rumours he was getting cold feet about the move.
The devoted family man said negotiations were drawn out due to logistical problems - accommodation, transport, and his church commitments in Sydney's west - rather than a reluctance to join the premiers.
"That's done and dusted. I am there for the next two seasons and am looking forward to it," he said.
"There was uncertainty but it wasn't anything to do with me not wanting to be there."
"I said from the start - and Des and the club know it - it was always about what was best for my family."
"That's always been the case with me and contracts."
"I'm happy to be going there."
For now, the back-rower's gaze is firmly on the grand final.
And as one of only four Parramatta players to have played in a decider - and the only one to have tasted victory - Galuvao is using the experience of Penrith's 2003 triumph to guide the Eels' rookies through grand final week.
"I'm excited to be here and very fortunate to be part of a grand final week again," he said.
"I know what it's like and the hype that surrounds it and if anything it's made me calmer (having been through it before)."
"The young guys have got great heads on the shoulders and it's an awesome experience and for many years to come it will put them in good stead."